Long Grey Days

Well yesterday was rainy and I was at a month long energy low -- plus I had nothing new about crochet (which may again be related to my massive lack of energy) and therefore you did not hear from me.  I have been feeling a little under the weather and it's been very very grey here.  So, I have been thinking about things that are comforting for those slow, grey days.  You know the days, where bed sounds like the most brilliant invention ever and convincing yourself to put your feet on the floor is a monumental task.



Since today is supposed to be about thrift I think I'll mention my lovely bed first.  I actually have TWO bedspreads that I have found at second-hand shops that I use on and off.  Right now the bed is set up with a lovely 1960'sor 1970's chenille -- it is the cozy/wintery one.  It's meant for a King-size bed so it is extra huge and hug-able. I purchased it a couple years ago for less than 5 dollars. It also is frequently featured as a backdrop. (see below) It's a little rough with some strands coming loose (I know there is a way to fix that I just haven't sat down to do it.) but it is pretty darn close to my favorite color and I had been on the lookout for a chenille bedspread for as long as I knew about them! Although it isn't exactly the right vintage I know they frequently used chenille in mid-century bedroom design so I think it will play nicely with all the 1950s furniture I hope to have someday.



Another second-hand treasure for those under the weather days -- how about some handkerchiefs? There was a while at my local thrift store where I could buy packs of them (8-10 hankies per pack) for about 65 cents.  I'm sure they'll come around again but I haven't been finding any lately --  I probably bought up the whole bunch that belonged to one woman in the first place.  I find that oddly comforting. I am trying to become accustomed to using them all of the time because it would be so much more economical and environmentally friendly. Weird how those two thing seem to coincide so frequently. Plus it's a great vintage affectation, yes? A little runny nose, pull out the hankie and BAM you are one classy dame. And these are lovely things that really should be used! It is somewhat difficult to convince myself that these lovely things are really intended for such an un-lovely use. (and to convince myself that they will, in fact, come clean in the wash.)  I would like to convince the husband to use handkerchiefs too, although I would have to purchase more masculine ones. Then I could embroider his initials and he could have a vintage affectation. My desire to have him use them might have more to do with the fact that he is the largest consumer of tissues in our household.

And third, I thought I'd tack on something I'd really like to make for these grey days and the grey days to come.  We have one of those store-bought microwavable heat packs -- you know with the beans or rice or whatnot in them and while it is super cozy, it is not all that attractive or soft.  I knew you could make the things but Lo and Behold the glory of this tutorial.  I hadn't thought of making it fuzzy! And rick rack, GASP! I'm seriously considering adding one of these to my "to make" list. In fact, I would add it straight away except I have already admitted that my "to make" list is waaaaaay out of control and needs to be pruned rather than expanded.  Still those winter nights are coming and chris has to deal with some pretty frigid toes!